Training Sites
The Department of Surgery's General Surgery Residency Program allows for hands-on experience providing care and treating a wide range of conditions. With world-class facilities, surgical residents can take advantage of valuable training opportunities, from pediatric through geriatric procedures, including comprehensive experiences in hepatobiliary surgery, transplantation, vascular surgery and advanced laparoscopic procedures. The program includes experience in community and VA-based care, which is crucial for surgeons interested in academic careers. Residents become equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be competitive in the workforce.
Hillcrest Medical Campus
Hillcrest Medical Campus encompasses Hillcrest Medical Center and the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion. Hillcrest Medical Center is a 381-bed hospital with an emergency suite, surgical, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, 11 operating rooms, the San Diego Regional Burn Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and a Level 1 Trauma Center.
McGrath Outpatient Pavilion
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at Hillcrest Medical Campus opened in 2025. This six-floor advanced medical facility includes outpatient surgery suites, radiology and advanced imaging, infusion suites, pharmacy and lab services, and clinics for several types of specialty care. The pavilion's design is intended to ensure that every patient's experience is smooth and supportive.
Jacobs Medical Center
Jacobs Medical Center is a 364-bed advanced medical center with inpatient care, surgical facilities, outpatient clinics, a blood bank, and a pharmacy. It is within walking distance of Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center and Moores Cancer Center. The 10-story center includes 10 operating rooms, a Level III NICU, and a rooftop helicopter landing pad.
Koman Outpatient Pavilion
The Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion is an outpatient clinical facility located between Moores Cancer Center and Jacobs Medical Center. It includes eight surgery suites, basic and advanced imaging, physical therapy, and pain management — services designed for patients treated in a single day.
Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center is the region's first academic-based facility to combine all heart and vascular-related services, programs and technology. With new technologies and treatments, the center is setting new standards of care for UC San Diego patients and the world.
Moores Cancer Center
Moores Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that unites cancer-related research laboratories, clinical trials, prevention and outreach programs and patient care under one roof. This multidisciplinary approach to research and clinical care results in a broad range of cancer treatment options.
Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center
Located near Jacobs Medical Center, the VA has 296 beds and a full complement of medical and surgical services. Its catchment area includes the West Coast and southwest United States. The VA is a busy site for trainees of all specialties from UC San Diego and other institutions.
Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center
Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center has 541 beds and a 44-bed intensive care unit and provides general surgery and vascular surgery services. It is located approximately seven miles from Jacobs Medical Center and 14 miles from Hillcrest Medical Campus.
Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego
Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego is San Diego's only hospital dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare. It has a Level 1 pediatric Trauma Center, a Level IV NICU, and a dedicated cardiac intensive care unit. Rady Children’s Health is building a new structure that will open in 2028.
Center for the Future of Surgery
The UC San Diego Center for the Future of Surgery (CFS) is the largest and most comprehensive surgical training location in the country. It hosts more than 400 lab events annually, including department training programs, medical association courses, and industry-hosted training and development events.